Chinese TV host says he’s sorry for mocking Mao Zedong

The Associated Press

Published
11:00 am EDT, Friday, April 10, 2015

FILE - In this March 10, 2015 file photo, Chinese paramilitary policemen stand watch visitors near a portrait of Mao Zedong after they sealed off Tiananmen Square for the public during a plenary session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. China’s state broadcaster is investigating one of its hosts after a video of him insulting Mao Zedong was leaked, causing a stir and rekindling debate on the complicated legacy of the father of communist China. China Central Television said Wednesday, April 8, talent show host Bi Fujian would face serious investigation because his jokes have had a “severe social impact.” less

FILE - In this March 10, 2015 file photo, Chinese paramilitary policemen stand watch visitors near a portrait of Mao Zedong after they sealed off Tiananmen Square for the public during a plenary session of the ... more

Photo: (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Photo: (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

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FILE - In this March 10, 2015 file photo, Chinese paramilitary policemen stand watch visitors near a portrait of Mao Zedong after they sealed off Tiananmen Square for the public during a plenary session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. China’s state broadcaster is investigating one of its hosts after a video of him insulting Mao Zedong was leaked, causing a stir and rekindling debate on the complicated legacy of the father of communist China. China Central Television said Wednesday, April 8, talent show host Bi Fujian would face serious investigation because his jokes have had a “severe social impact.” less

FILE - In this March 10, 2015 file photo, Chinese paramilitary policemen stand watch visitors near a portrait of Mao Zedong after they sealed off Tiananmen Square for the public during a plenary session of the ... more

Photo: (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Chinese TV host says he’s sorry for mocking Mao Zedong

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BEIJING >> A popular Chinese television celebrity has apologized for insulting the founder of Communist China, after his remarks at a private dinner caused a stir in China and rekindled debate on the complicated legacy of the revolutionary figure.

Bi Fujian, the host of the talent show “Avenue of Stars” at the state broadcaster China Central Television, issued the apology late Thursday on his personal microblog that has 1.3 million followers.

In a home video that circulated widely online before censors removed it this week, Bi apparently was amusing his audience at a private dinner by singing a revolutionary song about Communist Party-led soldiers battling bandits in northeastern China in the 1940s.

To the laughter of guests, Bi adds his own commentary in a speaking voice between lines.

After the lyrics mention Mao, Bi refers to him using a vulgar Chinese insult that includes a reference to female genitals, and says “he has ruined us all.” Bi also mocks the soldiers, suggesting their battles were pointless and the song’s claim of victory boastful.

The incident renewed debate both on free speech and about Mao, who many Chinese feel should be held responsible for disastrous periods such the 1959-1961 famine and the chaos unleashed by the decade-long Cultural Revolution in 1966 when Mao appealed directly to the masses to root out reactionaries.

Though some of Mao’s policies have been officially critiqued, the ruling Communist Party can hardly renounce him because it has built much of its legitimacy upon the imagery surrounding the revolutionary leader. A huge portrait of him still hangs in the heart of Beijing.

Bi’s remarks have caused a stir in China, drawing stern criticisms from state media and staunch and vocal supporters of Mao. But others argue he should not be persecuted for the private comments.

CCTV announced Wednesday that it launched an investigation into the incident.